Belle opinion

Air Classics, Sep 1999 by Cohen, David

I read with a good deal of concern the current fate of Memphis Belle (Air Classics July "Warbird Report"). While I applaud the efforts of the Memphis Belle Memorial Association and I think they have done an admirable job bringing the B-17 back from the edge of destruction, I honestly believe that Memphis Belle no longer belongs in the city it was named for.

I believe there are only two places that would allow Memphis Belle to be displayed with the dignity and recognition this plane deserves. One place in the USAF Museum in Ohio, the other location is the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, or the new NASM facility at Dulles Airport in Virginia which is slated for opening on 17 December 2003.

Both museums have tremendous restoration departments and resources that few other organizations could ever hope to match. The placement of Memphis Belle in either museum would be a fitting tribute for this plane and would certainly guarantee that Memphis Belle will be around for generations to come.

David Cohen

Rockville, MD

onyxsax@aol.com